Circuit maker and breaker



M. REHRER CIRCUIT MAKER AND BREAKER March 11, 1941.

Filed Oct. 6, 1939 INVENTOR. R EH? 9 1-- 5; ATTORNEYS.

MEPvin Patented Mar. 11', 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,234,876omourr MAKER AND BREAKER Mervin Rehrer, Pine Grove, Pa. ApplicationOctober 6, 1939, Serial to. 298,333

2 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in circuit makers andbreakers, and more particularly to manually controlled switches.. I

Oitentimes, a person who has retired to bed desires to listen to theradio, or read by an electric light, in order to relax so as to moreeasily go to sleep. In the ordinary course of events, however, theperson becomes so drowsy as to fall asleep without disconnecting theappliance; or if the person is able to switch off the electric current,the effort required usually is sufficient to cause the user of theappliance to become thoroughly awakened.

It is an object of the invention to provide a control device for anelectrical appliance, such as a radio, heating pad, or electric light,and which will disconnect the electrical appliance when the user goes tosleep.

Another object of the invention is to provide a circuit maker andbreaker which is controlled by the tension and relaxationof the grip ofthe operator.

A further object of the invention is to provide a switch having shieldedcontacts not liable to become entangled in or dislocated by bed clothingor the like.

A still further object is to provide a switch having smooth exteriorsurfaces and of a generally flat contour not liable to injure a personresting thereon or otherwise in contact therewith.

Other objects'and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification and in whichdrawing:

Figure 1 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of thecircuit maker and breaker and showing its connection to a power supplyline, the switch being open.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the circuit maker and breaker, the switchbeing closed.

Figure 3 is an end elevation of th maker and breaker.

In the drawing, which shows only a preferred e circuit embodiment of theinvention, and wherein similar reference characters denote correspondingparts thruout the several views, l0 designates the switch, in the formof a handle, and including a pair of levers ll having inner or adjacentsides l2 forming dihedral angles defined by the faces l3-I4. Embeddedflush with the faces I3 and secured by screws ii are the butts I6 of asuitable hinge l'l having its pin l8 coextensive with the edges of thedihedral angles formed by the intersecting faces l3-i4. Suitable meansmay be provided to urge the faces ll apart. In the present instance, thefaces are provided with pockets H in which are disposed the opposite endportions of an expansion coil spring 20. Suitable means may also beprovided to hold the faces II in adjacent spaced relation. As shown, apair of headed pins 2| may be mounted in the ends 22 of the levers, oneof the pins pivotally supporting an arm 23 terminating at its free endin a hook 24 adapted to engage the other pin 2|.

Formed in the faces M are sockets 25 one carrying at its base portion aninsulative plate 26 supporting a spring contact 21. The other socket 25carries an insulative block 28 having a skirt 29 extending into theopposite socket, and enclosing a contact 30 adapted to engage anddisengage the contact 21 upon pivotal movement of the levers I I. Itwill be noted that the arrangement of the angularly disposed faces l3l4is such as to limit rocking movement of the levers H in eitherdirection, and that the lower end of the skirt 29 is disposed within theconfines of the socket 25 carrying the contact 21 when the contacts aredisengaged, as well as when they are engaged.

Extending thru longitudinal passageways 3| are insulated conductors 32secured at their ends 33 to the contacts 21 and 30. These conductors 32,at their opposite ends 34, may be connected to a current conducting cord35 in any desired manner. In the example shown, a plug 36 is employed toform a connecting member. Projecting from the plug 36 is a pair ofprongs 31 for insertion into a conventional electric outlet (not shown).Within the body of the plug are terminals 33-49- of the prongs 31 and athird insulatively supported'terminal 4,0. To the terminals 38 and 40may be connected the ends 34 of the conductors 32, the ends ll of theconducting cord 35-being connected to the terminals 38 and 40.

Upon grasping the levers II and applying a tension suflicient toovercome the resistance of the spring 20, the contacts 21 and will bebrought into engagement so as to permit current flow thru the cord 35.Upon relaxation of the grip of the person holding the switch, the spring20 will cause the levers H to pivot about the hinge pin I3 so as todisengage the contacts and discontinue the flow of current in the cord35.

It will therefore be readily seen that a device has been provided whichwill automatically disconnect the flow of current to an electricalappliance upon the falling asleep of a user, due to the naturalrelaxation of the hand grip ofthe sleeping person.

Various changes may be made to the form of invention herein shown anddescribed, without departing from the spirit of the invention, or thehaving a free end disposed in said given socket,-

and a second contact carried by said free end, said contacts beingmovable between positions of engagement anddisengagement upon rockingmovement of said levers, and said projection having its free end movablebetween positions within the confines of said given socket.

2. In a grip controlled switch, a pair of simi-- larly shaped levershaving adjacent sides each forming a dihedral angle, means securing saidlevers for rocking movement with the edge of one dihedral anglesubstantially coextensive with the edge of the other dihedral angle,said sides each having a socket, a contact mounted in the base of a.given one of said sockets, a, projection mounted in the remaining socketand having a free end disposed in said given socket, said free end beingprovided with a recess, and a second contact carried by the free'endwithin the recess, said contacts being movable between positions ofengagement and disengagement upon rocking movement of said levers, andsaid projection having its free end movable between spaced positionswithin the confines of said given socket.

MERVIN REHRER.

